More Prayer Classics - A Prayer for Peace and Justice

Recently I ran a series of blog posts featuring selections from classic Christian writings on prayer. I would like to share a few more.

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was one of 17 children born to parents who were former slaves. As an educator and civil rights activist in the years surrounding World War II, Ms. Bethune became a tireless voice for justice, peace, and equality among all people.

The following prayer by Ms. Bethune illustrates the important connection between prayer and action in the lives of Christians who are committed to doing the Lord’s work.

“Father, we call Thee Father because we love Thee. We are glad to be called Thy children, and to dedicate our lives to the service that extends through willing hearts and hands to the betterment of all mankind. We send a cry of Thanksgiving for people of all races, creeds, classes, and colors the world over, and pray that through the instrumentality of our lives the spirit of peace, joy, fellowship, and brotherhood shall circle the world. We know that this world is filled with discordant notes, but help us, Father, to so unite our efforts that we may all join in one harmonious symphony for peace and brotherhood, justice, and equality of opportunity for all men. The tasks performed today with forgiveness for all our errors, we dedicate, dear Lord, to Thee. Grant us strength and courage and faith and humility sufficient for the tasks assigned to us.”